Best case scenario, he performs above-average at catcher, and Theo and Jed can trade him for a prospect or two at the deadline. Worst case, he continues to regress (hitting for average) and they have the option of playing Castillo and Clevinger more this season.

It’s HUGE that Koyie Hill is gone. Now the team actually has the chance to have a serviceable backup.

His OBP skills are pretty strong (fluctuating between .8 and 1.13 above his average, depending on the year). His defense has been consistently average to above average – he blocks balls well and has a 27% career caught stealing rate, dragged down when he posted a 22% in 2009.

If he can pick his average back up while maintaining the same level of power, I think Soto could be one of the top 5 or 6 best catchers in baseball – I’m not sure why everyone rags on him so much.

lifetime .806 OPS and all Cubs fans hate him.
you guys are fools. Soto is a good catcher, and even when he has a down year AVG-wise, his secondary stats are very respectable (for a catcher) thanks to his plate discipline. Something Welington Castillo doesn’t have and who’s entire production would be dependent on his AVG.
also as far as him being a ‘one-year wonder’ He’s had two great seasons, and his 2011 was respectable, so he’s far from a one and done type of player.

At best he will be coming off the bench with a rare start from time to time. I can’t wait for Michael Brenely to come up through the system in 4 or 5 yrs by that time Geo will be in Mexico selling drugs.